Ophthalmic Lens Packaging Solution for Wetting and Anti-Sticking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contact lenses often cause discomfort due to insufficient wetting and irritation, particularly at the end of the day, and existing packaging solutions do not adequately prevent oxidation and hydrolytic degradation of glycosaminoglycans, leading to lens degradation and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system using an aqueous solution with conjugated glycosaminoglycans having a polymer backbone conjugated to an amine group, which inhibits oxidation and hydrolytic degradation, maintaining lens lubricity and comfort by preventing tear lipid and protein absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional packaging solutions with saline or deionized water are used, then the lens is stored in a simple solution, but the lens material sticks to itself and the lens package causing folding and sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces glycosaminoglycans as intermediary substances in the packaging solution that mediate between the lens material and the packaging environment. These polymers adsorb to the lens surface and prevent direct contact between lens material molecules, thereby preventing sticking and folding while maintaining lens integrity during storage
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging solution is formulated as a composite system containing glycosaminoglycans with specific molecular weights and functional groups. This composite approach combines multiple components (glycosaminoglycans, buffers, preservatives) to achieve both manufacturing simplicity and reliable prevention of lens folding and sticking
2Reliability
If glycosaminoglycans are added to prevent lens sticking, then lens comfort is improved, but oxidation and hydrolytic degradation of the glycosaminoglycan polymer backbone occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of glycosaminoglycans by conjugating them with antioxidant and hydrolysis-resistant functional groups. This parameter change transforms the vulnerable polymer backbone into a stabilized structure that maintains its lens-wetting properties while resisting oxidation and hydrolytic degradation during extended wear periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the inherent vulnerability of glycosaminoglycan polymer backbones to oxidation and hydrolysis into a benefit by introducing protective moieties. The very sites that were previously vulnerable to degradation are now equipped with protective functional groups that actively prevent degradation, turning a weakness into a strength
3Duration of action of moving object
If extended wear time is desired, then lens comfort should be maintained, but lens material degradation and corneal irritation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies protective glycosaminoglycan coatings to the lens surface before the lens is placed in the eye. This preliminary action ensures that the lens surface is pre-equipped with lubricating and protective properties, preventing tear lipid and protein absorption from the outset and maintaining lens comfort throughout extended wear periods without causing corneal irritation
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilized glycosaminoglycans with extended half-life continuously provide lubrication and protection on the lens surface throughout extended wear periods. The modified polymer structure ensures continuous prevention of tear film disruption and corneal irritation, maintaining beneficial effects over prolonged periods without degradation-induced loss of function
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances lens comfort and extends wear time by maintaining lens clarity and reducing irritation through improved lubricity and stability of glycosaminoglycans, ensuring extended wear without adverse effects on the cornea.
Implementation Method 1
an amine group comprising one or more moieties that inhibit and/or prevent one or more of oxidation and hydrolytic degradation of the polymer backbone during use in the eye
Implementation Method 2
an amine group comprising one or more moieties that inhibit and/or prevent one or more of oxidation and hydrolytic degradation of the polymer backbone during use in the eye
Implementation Method 3
maintaining lens lubricity and comfort by preventing tear lipid and protein absorption
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging system for the storage of an ophthalmic device is disclosed. The packaging system includes a sealed container containing one or more unused ophthalmic devices immersed in an aqueous packaging solution that includes one or more conjugated glycosaminoglycans having a polymer backbone having a reactive functional moiety conjugated to an amine group having one or more moieties that inhibit and/or prevent one or more of oxidation and hydrolytic degradation of the polymer backbone during use in the eye; wherein the aqueous packaging solution has an osmolality of at least about 150 mOsm/kg, a pH of about 6 to about 9 and is sterilized.